Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Party

Having friends and family over during “the most wonderful time of the year” is great! But hosting for the first time...bah humbug. If you’re new to being your loved ones’ holiday “master of ceremonies,” you might not know where to start. And if that’s the case for you, good news! You’re in the right place.

We’ve got the secrets that’ll bring good tidings to you and your guests during your next wintertime get-together. Check out these tips for hosting the most stress-free holiday party.  

Preparing Your Home for Guests This Holiday Season 

Once you’ve sent the invitations, asked about dietary restrictions, and finalized the itinerary, it’s time to prepare your humble abode. Kick off your hosting duties by decluttering high-traffic areas in your home and organizing the guest room(s) if you plan on anyone staying overnight.  

Before the Guests Arrive...Declutter! 

There’s no place like a (clean) home for the holidays. Declutter your living space by taking out the trash or tidying up shelves and coffee tables. Pick up and put away your kids’ toys into a basket or closet, as you wouldn’t want any of your guests to “pull a Scott Calvin” this year and take a holiday tumble. That’s just one small way to keep your house safe from common hazards.

Next, wash the dishes you’ll be using for your party, wipe down counters with a moist cloth, and scrub the bathroom(s) your guest(s) will frequent the most.  

Setting the Holiday Ambience  

Create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests by filling your home with seasonal scents and decorations. Winter fragrance potpourri and candles, dimmed lighting, colorful and tasteful décor, and a crackling fireplace are just a few of the avenues to set the “right” mood for your get-together.

Need help figuring out where to start decorating? Use what you’ve got! Wrapping paper scraps can festively line your serving plates, and garland or Christmas tree branches look cheery in a vase, on the fireplace mantel, or as a wreath.

Getting the Guest Room Ready  

If you’ve invited one of your guests to stay the night after the festivities, you’ll want to prepare their room beforehand. Free up closet and drawer space, leave extra linens on the guest bed, and make sure lamps and lights are in working condition.  

Craft a makeshift guest room by cornering off space in a larger room with a partition. And dressing up a sofa or air mattress as if it were a real bed will go a long way toward making your guest feel comfortable. 

Stocking Up for the Big Celebration 

It’s better to be overstocked than running low. Get ready for your holiday party by...  

Cooking Ahead of Time 

You don’t want to be scrambling to get the main course on the table when guests are already in your living room. Cook as much of your menu in advance so you can relax and enjoy the time with your friends. 

Inventory Check: Food, Beverages, Supplies  

Keep your pantry or refrigerator well-stocked with snacks, treats, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for the big day. Place your items front and center on the shelf so restocking serving plates is quick and easy.  

And if you’ll be using paper napkins or plates for the party, make sure you have more than enough for your guest list.  

Each bathroom guests will be using needs plenty of soap, hand towels, and toilet paper to avoid the need for any – let's say awkward – conversations.  

Go the Extra Mile with Thoughtful Gestures  

A little goes a lot these days. Make your guests feel special with a thoughtful gesture (or two).  

Gift Ideas 

Show your guests just how much you appreciate their presence this holiday season with a thoughtful welcome gift. It is the giving season, after all.  

Scented candles, a small goodie bag filled with holiday treats, or miniature wine bottles are great gift ideas that won’t break the bank.  

Include Guests in Your Holiday Traditions  

We’ve all got our favorite family traditions for this time of year, so why not let your guests partake in them, too? To really make your guests feel welcome, ask them about their own traditions and incorporate them into your itinerary. 

You hear that? No, that’s not sleigh bells. That’s the sound of NEW traditions being born before you and your guests’ very eyes! 

Managing Stress as a Host  

Hosting someone at your house can be stressful, let alone dozens. But relax! You’ve got this.  

Repeat After Us...Breathe  

Breathe in...breathe out...breathe in...breathe out.  

And repeat! 

Try your favorite breathing exercise if hosting duties start to get a tad overwhelming. A slow, deep breath in for four seconds followed by a short pause and unbroken exhale afterward could be exactly what the doctor ordered.  

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help 

Listen, you’ve probably seen ALL the Lifetime holiday movies at this point (if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all). So, you already know this season is about coming together.  

In other words, you’re not in this shindig alone! Never be afraid to ask your guests for help should you need it. Many of your friends will likely be more than happy to lend a hand with tasks like dinner preparations or setting up decorations.   

Having an extra set of hands around can reduce stress levels significantly.  

Remember: This Is Fun! 

Wait a second! Parties with your loved ones are supposed to be fun! Especially during the holidays.  

Remember that little fact, and don’t get too caught up in the pressures of having people over at your house. Enjoy yourself! You never know when you’ll all be under the same roof again.  

Hosting All Year Round  

Congratulations! Hopefully, by using the tips above, you’ve got some serious hosting experience under your belt. Now it’s time to learn how you can be a good host all year round!